Local Society celebrates Sondheim sell-out

March 31, 2016

Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) is in celebratory mood after selling out its forthcoming production fully two weeks before opening night.

 

The last few months have seen the society tackling one of the most gruesome shows in the musical theatre repertoire. Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic masterpiece, is being performed by DAODS for the first time in its history at Heathfields Hall, Heath Lane from 12th – 16th April.

 

Set in 19th century London, the musical details the return of barber Sweeney Todd after 15 years of exile, his heart set on taking revenge on the corrupt judge who banished him. He conspires with a local baker, Mrs Lovett, who is in desperate need of fresh meat for her pies…

 

The cast and production team have been working hard to get to grips with the intricate harmonies and lyrics in Sondheim’s score, as well as the technical challenges of a show with a high body count.

 

“It’s certainly a departure from our last show, Boogie Nights,” says Laura Gillham, the show’s director and choreographer. “We’ve worked hard to try to create a very intense atmosphere for the audience, and that’s been helped by having some really strong performances as well as a cast of over 40 people!”

 

The cast have received a boost knowing that they will play to full houses every night, and DAODS will be hoping to repeat this achievement in October when it returns to Dartford’s Orchard Theatre for Annie Get Your Gun.

 

The society is always on the lookout for new people to join both as performers and backstage. If you are keen to perform in Annie Get Your Gun or are interested in becoming involved in any other way, you can email daodscom@gmail.com.

 

For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.

 

Editor’s notes:

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DAODS was formed in 1906 when three residents decided to form a local operatic society to offset ‘the perceived lack of facilities for entertainment’ in Dartford. A newspaper advert sought ‘gentlemen and young ladies with good voices and good figures’. The group’s first show, performed in Conservative Hall in Spital Street, was The Mikado in April 1907
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Comprising a large cross-section of the community from Dartford and beyond, DAODS’ members range from the youth group, which starts at nine years old, to the group’s oldest member, aged 70-plus. The society has more than 170 members plus a subsidiary, the Good Companions Singing Group, which visits local organisations such as nursing homes
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Former DAODS stars, including Lara Pulver and Rebecca Thornhill, have won Olivier Awards and appeared on primetime television and the West End (Pulver - Sherlock/Fleming/Gypsy; Thornhill - From Here To Eternity/Chicago/Matilda)
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